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2019 Infiniti QX80 is big, beautiful, and luxurious

The bottom line is easy: If you want a full-size luxury SUV, the 2019 Infiniti QX80 is a must-drive contender.

There's no getting around the truth with the 2019 Infiniti QX80. This is a big, full-size SUV. But unlike many others in its class, the QX80 is not at all boxy or boring. This is one large SUV where performance meets style and comfort as equals.

The QX80 is a traditional design built on a truck frame. That's why this SUV can tow up to 8,500 pounds. The engine is a powerful 5.6-liter V8, good for 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The QX80 uses a 7-speed automatic transmission with a traditional dual-range part-time 4WD system. I recently had an opportunity to drive the QX80 at an off-road proving ground, and to my surprise this luxury SUV easily went everywhere that the tougher off-road vehicles could go.

Inside, the QX80 offers the kind of efficient luxury that Infiniti buyers have come to expect. Infiniti focuses on the driving experience, and the driver's cockpit is a no-nonsense zone. All the comforts are there, but Infiniti goes with a straightforward approach. The result is that you don't have to stop the vehicle to navigate through three layers of touchscreen menus to change the radio station. It's a little old school, but it's refreshing.

The straightforward approach extends to all the comfort devices. For example, the heated and ventilated seats are controlled with a simple knob. Twist left to cool, or twist right to heat. The main climate controls work the same way.

On the road, Infiniti's commitment to the driving experience continues. The QX80 is a big vehicle, but it rides with a smooth firmness that is never flabby. The Infiniti V8 engine has plenty of power to move the QX80. You could take the QX80 on a long highway trip with the whole family.

The QX80 provides seating for six or seven passengers in three rows, with 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, or 49.6 cubic feet behind the second row. If you put all the seats down, you get an impressive 95.1 cubic feet of space. You can easily fit the family camping gear, or take a trip to any big box store.

When it comes to safety, Infiniti gives the QX80 everything they've got. In addition to a full list of regular safety items, the QX80 has a few special features. Blind spot monitoring is included on the Limited trim, but you also get blind spot intervention to prevent a collision. Backup collisions are similarly protected. The QX80 won't let you back into the mailbox. There's an adaptive front lighting system so you won't ever annoy other motorists with the brights.

The bottom line is easy: If you want a full-size luxury SUV, the 2019 Infiniti QX80 is a must-drive contender. I think you'll like what you find.